U.S. patent number 5,356,356 [Application Number 08/071,188] was granted by the patent office on 1994-10-18 for recumbent total body exerciser.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Life Plus Incorporated. Invention is credited to Mark D. Hildebrandt, Steven W. Sarns, Todd A. Sutton.
United States Patent |
5,356,356 |
Hildebrandt , et
al. |
October 18, 1994 |
Recumbent total body exerciser
Abstract
A recumbent exercise device which provides lower body, upper
body and cardiovascular conditioning. The device includes a frame
having a seat supported toward the rear thereof. A pair of leg
assemblies and a pair of arm assemblies are pivotally supported by
the frame for movement about a transverse pivot axis. The arm and
leg assemblies are positioned generally toward the forward end of
the frame and each includes an upward and forward extending lever
with the leg assemblies terminating in pedals and the arm
assemblies terminating in handles. The arm and leg assemblies are
connected to each other for contralateral movement. A resistance
mechanism is coupled to the arm and leg assemblies to provide
resistance to their movement the pivot axis. An open area is
defined above the frame between the seat and the arm and leg
assemblies to permit step-through access to the seat regardless of
the arm and leg assembly positions.
Inventors: |
Hildebrandt; Mark D. (Ann
Arbor, MI), Sarns; Steven W. (Ann Arbor, MI), Sutton;
Todd A. (Grand Rapids, MI) |
Assignee: |
Life Plus Incorporated (Ann
Arbor, MI)
|
Family
ID: |
22099820 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/071,188 |
Filed: |
June 2, 1993 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/62;
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
21/157 (20130101); A63B 22/001 (20130101); A63B
22/0056 (20130101); A63B 21/0088 (20130101); A63B
21/015 (20130101); A63B 21/225 (20130101); A63B
2208/0238 (20130101); A63B 2220/76 (20130101); A63B
2225/09 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
23/035 (20060101); A63B 21/012 (20060101); A63B
21/22 (20060101); A63B 21/008 (20060101); A63B
21/015 (20060101); A63B 21/00 (20060101); A63B
23/04 (20060101); A63B 021/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;482/51,52,53,57,60,62,63,133 ;128/25R ;280/233 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Crow; Stephen R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harness, Dickey & Pierce
Claims
We claim:
1. A recumbent apparatus for exercise and physical therapy
providing a lower body workout, an upper body workout and
cardiovascular conditioning, said apparatus comprising:
a frame having a forward end and a rearward end, said frame
generally defining a longitudinal axis extending between said
forward and rearward ends;
a seat supported by said frame and positioned generally toward said
rearward end, said seat including a seat cushion and a seat
back;
a left leg assembly and a right leg assembly, said leg assemblies
supported by said frame for pivoting movement about a pivot axis
transverse to said longitudinal axis, said leg assemblies
positioned generally toward said forward end and each including an
upwardly extending leg lever terminating in a pedal;
a left arm assembly and a right arm assembly, said arm assemblies
supported by said frame for pivoting movement also about said pivot
axis, said arm assemblies positioned generally toward said forward
end and each including an upwardly extending arm lever terminating
in a handle;
said left leg assembly being connected to said right arm assembly
enabling movement therewith and defining a first connected
assembly, said right leg assembly being connected to said left arm
assembly enabling movement therewith and defining a second
connected assembly, said first connected assembly coupled to said
second connected assembly such that forward movement in one of said
connected assemblies induces rearward movement in the other of said
connected assemblies thereby enabling contralateral movement of
said arm and leg assemblies;
resistance means coupled to said arm and leg assemblies for
providing resistance to movement of said arm and leg assemblies
about said pivoting axis; and
an open area being defined above said frame and between said seat
and said arm and leg assemblies, said open area providing
step-through access to said seat regardless of relative arm and leg
assembly positions.
2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seat is
reclined.
3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seat cushion
is positioned at a standard seat height.
4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein arm levers extend
upward and forward from said pivot axis before terminating in said
handles.
5. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said arm levers
extend upward and forward from said pivot axis and then extend
rearward generally toward said seat before terminating in said
handles.
6. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handles are
adjustable with respect to their positioning relative to said seat
and said arm levers.
7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said leg levers
extend upward and forward from said pivot axis before terminating
in said pedals.
8. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said leg levers
extend upward and forward from said pivot axis and then extend
rearward generally toward said seat before terminating in said
pedals.
9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said seat is
longitudinally adjustable in position relative to said pedals.
10. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame is less
than half the height of said seat in said open area.
11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said pedals, said
seat and said handles are oriented relative to one another such
that during use proper form of a user is provided regardless of the
size of the user.
12. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising blower
means for forcibly blowing air toward said seat.
13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said blower means
is coupled to said resistance means, said blower means being
operated by movement of said arm and leg assemblies.
14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein said blower means
includes a blower tube at said forward end, said blower tube
extending upward and forward from said frame and then extending
rearward generally toward said seat.
15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said leg
assemblies are located inboard of said arm assemblies.
16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said pedals have
unobstructed lateral access thereto regardless of said arm assembly
positioning.
17. An apparatus as set forth in claim 15 wherein said pedals are
positioned on said leg levers such that said pedals are always
located rearward of adjacent portions of said arm levers.
18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame has a
height in said open area within the range of 6-12 inches.
19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame has a
height in said open area within the range of 81/2-91/2 inches.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to equipment for physical therapy
and/or general exercise. More particularly, this invention relates
to a recumbent exercise machine which provides for the exercising
and strengthening of major muscle groups in addition to
cardiovascular conditioning. In so doing, the present invention
includes lower body exercising coordinated with upper body
exercising.
Patients undergoing physical therapy, whether at home, in the
hospital or in another clinical setting, have special needs when it
comes to physical therapy equipment. Often, the patients have
limited mobility, age related illnesses, decreased ranges of
appendage movement, disabilities, low endurance and need for
therapy with respect to more than one particular movement or muscle
group. All of these factors must be taken into consideration when
designing or providing equipment for their use.
Those people who exercise for its many health benefits, and not
specifically for rehabilitation purposes, typically desire
equipment which is challenging, safe, fun, effective, convenient
and which provides a benefit to a multiple number of muscle groups
so that a total body workout is achieved in a relatively short
period of time. When the equipment is for home use, other important
considerations include durability and cost.
Numerous types and varieties of physical therapy and exercise
equipment are available for both clinical and home use. Of the many
types, two of the most popular include the stepping machines
(hereinafter "steppers") and the stationary bicycles. Each of these
machines, however, has certain limitations concerning their ease of
use, range of movement, safety, the muscle groups worked and their
cost.
Generally, steppers include a pair of pedals which move up and
down, thereby simulating the climbing of steps, in response to the
weight and physical effort of the patient or exerciser (hereinafter
"user"). The pedals are connected to a mechanism which applies a
resistance or load. This resistance is often adjustable so that the
stepper can accommodate users of various levels of physical
conditioning and ability.
One limitation of steppers is that the user is typically required
to stand during the exercise. Since the user is in an upright
position, a significant amount of balance and coordination on the
part of the user is required. Because of the decreased mobility and
coordination, this may prevent a patient undergoing physical
therapy from using the stepper. A related limitation of the stepper
is that it requires continuous close supervision when being used by
a person undergoing physical rehabilitation. Close supervision by a
physical therapist or assistant is required to ensure that the
patient does not collapse or otherwise lose balance and fall from
the stepper resulting in an injury. A further limitation of the
stepper is its lack of exercise or conditioning of the upper body
of the user. Finally, steppers may elevate the heart rate and the
blood pressure too quickly for unconditioned and elderly patents,
potentially causing harm.
One limitation of stationary bicycles is that the seat is typically
a narrow saddle seat positioned above a pair of rotatable pedals
having a fixed range of motion. The rotation of the pedals is
resisted by a brake or other resistance mechanism. The user is
required to lean forward to hold onto a set of handles, which may
be stationary or movable. In order to use a stationary bicycle, the
user must be capable of climbing up onto the seat and must possess
sufficient strength, balance and coordination to maintain
themselves on the narrow seat while pedaling over a fixed range of
motion and manipulating the handles if they are of the moveable
variety. Often the elderly, overweight or physical therapy patient
cannot use a stationary bike because of the above requirements and
further because they require constant supervision by the physical
therapist to prevent possible injury to the patient upon collapse
or loss of balance.
As can be seen from the above discussion, there is the need for an
apparatus which allows the user to easily get on and off the
apparatus with or without assistance. Furthermore, the apparatus
should provide a high degree of stability and safety to the user so
that the user can manipulate the machine without constant attention
or supervision. Additionally, the apparatus should be adjustable to
accommodate users of the significantly different sizes and physical
conditions while still being comfortable.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus which overcomes the limitations of the known prior art.
In so doing, a further object of this invention is to provide a
recumbent apparatus which can be easily mounted and dismounted by a
user having a limited amount of mobility, with or without the
assistance of another person.
The present invention also has as one of its objects providing an
apparatus which uses a stepping or oscillating arcuate motion to
provide a lower body workout or therapy. A further object of the
invention is to provide an apparatus which uses an oscillating
arcuate motion to provide an upper body workout or therapy.
Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which
is familiar to use and which simulates the coordinated arm and leg
movements used during walking or running. To this end, the
invention also has as one of its objects providing upper body
exercise which is diagonally coordinated with lower body
exercise.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
physical therapy and exercise apparatus which is easy to use, has
adjustable resistance levels, is durable and which is relatively
inexpensive to produce.
In achieving the above objects, the present invention provides for
a recumbent total body exercise apparatus. The apparatus includes
pedals which undergo an oscillating or stepping motion. The pedals
are contralaterally synchronized with handles that also undergo a
oscillating motion providing the user with a total body
conditioning workout.
Unlike common stationary bicycles where the user is positioned on a
seat above the pedals, the present invention utilizes a recumbent
seat which is horizontally displaced from the pedals. The seat
itself is a full bucket style seat, including a seat cushion an a
seat back, positioned at a normal chair height. This provides a
safe, stable and familiar seating position for the user. When used
during physical therapy, the stability of the seat assures the
physical therapist or assistant that the patient can use the
apparatus with only moderate supervision thereby freeing the
physical therapist to attend to other patients or other duties.
The exerciser of the present invention is also provided with an
open center region, immediately before the seat, having a low
profile step-through design offering easy ingress and egress to the
user. Thus, a patient with low mobility is not required to climb up
onto the apparatus or raise a leg over a high center portion of a
frame. Rather, the user can easily step over a low center height
portion of the apparatus' frame and sit down as would be normally
done in a chair.
Once seated, the position of the chair relative to the pedals can
be adjusted, as well as the length of the handles relative to the
chair, for the size of the particular user. The relationship and
geometry of the chair, the pedals, the handles, and the position of
the pivot for the handles and pedals is such that the movement of
the user's arms and legs will be maintained in a correct
biomechanical relationship or form. The maintenance of proper form
ensures efficient conditioning in addition to a comfortable
exercising or therapy position.
During use of the apparatus, the pedals and handles undergo their
coordinated movement against a resistance force provided by one of
the variety of known resistance mechanisms. The level of resistance
provided by the resistance mechanism is adjustable to accommodate
users of all fitness levels. Also, the resistance mechanism may be
electronically controlled to produce a resistance pattern
representing a therapy or workout cycle of varied physical
difficulty.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention
relates from the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment
and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view with portions broken away of an
apparatus embodying the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a bottom view with portions broken away of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus seen in FIG. 1 having
portions removed therefrom for clarity;
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of the present invention
showing an air blower feature thereof; and
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the seat assembly utilized
with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawing, an apparatus embodying the principles
of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and generally
designated at 10. Generally, the apparatus 10 is a physical therapy
or exercise device which could be referred to as a total body,
recumbent stepping machine.
The apparatus 10 is a total body exerciser since it strengthens or
rehabilitates all of the major muscle groups while also providing
for effective cardiovascular conditioning. The apparatus is
recumbent since the patient or user is generally in a reclined
position when it is being used. The apparatus 10 can be referred to
as a stepper since it exercises the legs of the user through an
oscillating or reciprocating movement of the pedals and through the
offering resistance to pushing of the pedals. While pushing
resistance exercises the legs and lower body of the user, the
exercising of the upper body and arms is through pulling or pushing
resistance offered through a pair of handles.
Generally the apparatus or exercise machine 10 of the present
invention is comprised of a frame 12 which includes a front support
14 and a rear support 16 which provide the machine 10 with a high
degree of stability during use. The frame 12 also includes a
central portion 18, extending between the front and rear supports
14 and 16, which generally defines a casing that partially encloses
and supports the resistance assembly as further discussed below.
Some of the components of the resistance assembly are supported on
the central portion 18 of the frame 12 and are enclosed within a
housing 26 that prevents their inadvertent contact with the patient
or the patient's clothing during use of the machine 10.
Preferably, the frame 12 is made from steel in various stock forms
such as plate stock, angle stock or tubular stock. As seen in the
illustrated embodiment, the tubular rear support 16 defines a
T-section with the central portion 18 and the front support 14
which are made of plate stock. The front support 14 is spaced from
the rear support 16 generally along a central axis 24 which bisects
the rear support 16. Rolling wheels 20 are provided on the ends of
the rear support 16 for contact with the floor supporting the
exercise machine 10. The floor is generally designated at 22 in
FIG. 4.
A seat 28, having a seat cushion 30 and a seat back 32, is
adjustably mounted on the frame 12 for varied positioning along the
central axis 24. The seat 28 is generally of the full bucket
variety and is padded for the comfort of the user. Located toward
the rear of the frame 12, the seat 28 is positioned so that the
height of the seat cushion 30 approximates the height of a standard
chair thereby inherently increasing the user's familiarity with the
machine 10. Also, the slope along the top of the housing 26 allows
the height of the seat 28 to be lowered as it is adjusted forward
for shorter users and raised as it is adjusted rearward for taller
users. Laterally outboard of the seat cushion 30 are a pair of
stationary grab bars 34 having padded grips 36 on their ends. The
grab bars 34 are provided so that the user has an alternate holding
position when upper body conditioning is not desired.
As mentioned above, the seat 28 can be adjustably positioned
axially along the central axis 24. This is accomplished through an
adjustment mechanism 38 of the rack and slider variety. The
adjustment mechanism 38 includes a stationary rack 40 having a
toothed slot defined along its length. A movable rack 44, secured
to the underside of the seat 28, is mounted for sliding movement
relative to the stationary rack 40. A lever arm 46 is pivotally
mounted to the seat 28 and includes a pin 48 biased by a spring 49
so as to engage the serrated portions of the toothed slot 42. By
lifting upwardly on the lever arm 46, the pin 48 is disengaged from
a serration in the toothed slot 42 enabling the seat 28 and movable
rack 44 to slide along the central axis 24. Once the seat 28 has
been moved to the desired position, the lever arm 46 is released
and the spring 49 causes the pin 48 to engage another serration of
the toothed slot 42. The adjustment mechanism 38 is also provided
with a retaining block 50 having a slot 52 defined therein. The
block 50 and slot 52 prevent the pin 48 from inadvertently becoming
disengaged from a serration of the toothed slot 42. The retaining
block 50 is movable with the movable rack 44 and its slot 52
corresponds with the location of the pin 48. While one specific
variety of adjustment mechanism 38 has been specifically described
in detail, it will be appreciated that numerous other types of
adjustment mechanisms could be substituted for the mechanism 38
illustrated and discussed above. Alternate mechanisms are therefore
deemed to be within the purview of this invention.
Located forward of the seat 28 are a pair of arm assemblies 54 and
55 and a pair of leg assemblies 56 and 57, all of which are
configured to undergo oscillating or reciprocating movement about a
common pivot axis 58. The pivot axis 58 extends generally parallel
to the rear support 14 and is located so as to generally correspond
with the front support 16 at a low height relative to the seat 28
and close to the floor 22.
The arm assemblies 54 and 55 include lower levers 60 and 61 which
extend forward and upward from the pivot axis to elbows 62 and 63.
Thereafter, the arm assemblies 54 and 55 extend rearward and upward
toward the seat 28 along upper extensions 64 and 65. Handles 66 and
67 are slidable received in the upper extensions 64 and 65 and are
provided with key-way slots 53 so as to prevent their rotation
relative to the upper extensions 64 and 65. The handles 66 and 67
can be adjusted in length and for this reason locking levers 68 and
69 are provided on the upper extensions 64 and 65 to secure them at
the desired length. The ends of the handles 66 and 67 are generally
bent upward and inward relative to the remainder of the handles 66
and 67 and are provided with padded grips 70 and 71 for the user's
comfort.
The leg assemblies 56 and 57 similarly extend forward and upward
from the pivot axis 58 along levers 72 and 73. The levers 72 and 73
include elbow portions 74 and 75 at their upper ends which bend
back in a direction toward the seat 28 and to which are attached
pedals 76 and 77. The pedals are preferably secured to the levers
72 and 73 in a pivotable manner, but could alternatively be rigidly
secured thereto. The pedals 76 and 77 are provided with heel cups
78 and 79 at their lower ends so that the foot of a user will not
inadvertently slip off of the deck portion of the pedals 76 and
77.
The geometry and orientation of the seat 28, handles 66 and 67, the
pedals 76 and 77 and the pivot axis 58 are set relative to one
another so that, regardless of the size of the person using the
machine 10, once properly adjusted, the resulting movement and form
during upper and lower body conditioning is biomechanically correct
and efficient. This is particularly important in the physical
therapy setting where the proper form can result in quicker and
safer recovery and rehabilitation.
The arm assemblies 54 and 55 are connected to the leg assemblies 56
and 57 for contralateral movement about the pivot axis 58. To
accomplish this, a series of coaxial sleeves are assembled along
the pivot axis 58. As seen in FIG. 2, the lower levers 60 and 61 of
the arm assemblies 54 and 55 terminate in transverse sleeves 80 and
81 which are coaxial with the pivot axis 58. Similarly, the levers
72 and 73 of the leg assemblies terminate in transverse sleeves 86
and 87 coaxial with the pivot axis 58 and inboard of the arm
sleeves 80 and 81.
The arm sleeves 80 and 81 each include a reduced diameter shaft 82
and 83 which extends inboard along the pivot axis 58. Bushings 94
and 95 support the shafts 82 and 83 on the front support 14 and the
frame 12. Each shaft 82 and 83 is connected by bolts (not shown) to
a U-shaped linkage 84 and 85. The U-shaped linkages 84 and 85 are
generally oriented in a horizontal plane and are generally offset
from one another so that the legs of one U-shape linkage 84 are
alongside or overlap those of the other linkage 85. Thus, the open
portions of the U-shaped linkages 84 and 85 face toward one
another. As seen in FIG. 2, the shaft 82 of the right side arm
assembly 54 extends through the outboard leg of the right side
U-shaped linkage 85 before terminating in a rigid connection to the
leg of left side U-shaped linkage 84. Similarly, the shaft 83 of
the left side arm assembly 55 extends through an aperture in the
outboard leg of the left side U-shaped linkage 84 before
terminating in a rigid mounting to the leg of the right side
U-shaped linkage 85.
The pedals 76 and 77 are connected for contralateral movement with
the handles 67 and 66. To connect the leg assemblies 56 and 57 with
the arm assemblies 54 and 55, the leg levers 72 and 73 terminate in
transverse sleeves 86 and 87 that are coaxial with the pivot axis
58. The sleeves 86 and 87 are respectively mounted on the reduced
diameter shafts 82 and 83 for relative pivotal movement and are
separated from the arm sleeves 80 and 81 by the bushings 94 and 95
mentioned above. The sleeve 86 of the right leg assembly 56 is
rigidly secured to the outboard leg of the right side U-shaped
linkage 85 which, as discussed above, is coupled to the left arm
lever 55. Correspondingly, the sleeve 87 of the left leg assembly
57 is rigidly secured to the outboard leg of the left side U-shaped
linkage 84 so that it will rotate with the right arm lever 54.
While one specific embodiment is illustrated for contralaterally
coordinating the movement of the arm and leg assemblies 54, 55, 56
and 57, it should be understood that additional methods for
coordinating this movement could also be readily provided and are
deemed to be within the purview of this invention.
The range of pivotal movement which the arm and leg assemblies 54,
55, 56 and 57 may undergo is limited by bumpers 142. The bumpers
142 are positioned in the front support 14 so as to engage the
U-shaped linkages 84 and 85 and limit the forward and rearward
movement thereby preventing further rotation about the pivoting
axis 58. By increasing or decreasing the size or height of the
bumpers 142, the actual range of movement of the arm and leg
assemblies 54, 55, 56 and 57 can be adjusted. The length and
geometry of the arm and leg assemblies 54, 55, 56 and 57 are
provided so that the pedals 76 and 77 undergo a range of motion or
"step" of approximately eleven (11) inches while the handles 66 and
67 undergo a twenty (20) to twenty-seven (27) inch range of motion,
depending on the adjusted length of handles 66 and 67. Because this
movement is about the pivoting axis 58, the movement of the pedals
76 and 77 and the handles 66 and 67 is arcuate.
The movement of one set of arm and leg assemblies 54 and 57 is tied
to the movement of the other set of arm and leg assemblies 55 and
56 so that movement of one induces a counter movement in the other.
In other words, as one set moves forward the other set moves
backward. To coordinate this movement, a pair of yokes 88 and 89,
provided outboard of the U-shaped linkages 84 and 85, are secured
to the U-shaped linkages 84 and 85 by fasteners such as bolts (not
shown) so that they move with the linkages 84 and 85. The yokes 88
and 89 are connected together by a front or forward extending cable
90. The cable 90 extends forward from one yoke 88 and is looped
around a pulley 92 which returns it for securement to the other
yoke 89. The pulley is mounted to the frame 12 so that it will
rotate about an axis generally perpendicular to the central axis
24. A cable adjustment mechanism can be provided on the yokes 88
and 89 or on the pulley 92 so that the tension of the cable 90 can
be adjusted as needed for proper operation of the machine 10.
To provide resistance to the movement of the arm assemblies 54 and
55 and the leg assemblies 56 and 57, a brake or resistance assembly
is coupled to the yokes 88 and 89. While only one embodiment of the
resistance assembly is being described in detail, it will become
apparent that a number of known resistance assemblies could be
readily employed with the present invention. One such resistance
assembly would be an eddy current resistance assembly presently
used in other exercise machines.
To couple the yokes 88 and 89 to the resistance assembly, a pair of
interconnected chains 96 and 97 are used. The chains 96 and 97
extend rearward from the yokes 88 and 89 with each passing over a
one-way clutch and sprocket assembly 98 and 99, of a known variety.
The clutch and sprocket assemblies 98 and 99 are mounted on a
primary drive shaft 100 so that the coordinated arm and leg
assemblies will alternately drive the drive shaft 100 for rotation
in one direction. After being looped around the one-way clutch and
sprockets assemblies 98 and 99, the chains 96 and 97 extend forward
and terminate in a cable 102 commonly extending between the two.
The common cable 102 is looped around a pulley 104 that is
adjustably secured by a bolt 104 to the frame 12. In this manner,
the contralateral movement of the coordinated pairs of arm and leg
assemblies 54, 56 and 55, 57 are synchronized so that resistance is
constantly being applied.
The drive shaft 100 is journaled in bearings 108 supported by the
frame 12. Outboard of the right bearing 108, as seen in FIGS. 2 and
3, a pulley 110 is mounted for rotation with the drive shaft 100.
The pulley 110 is connected by a belt 112, which may be toothed, to
a smaller diameter pulley 114 so as to increase the rate of
rotation of a secondary drive shaft 116 journaled within bearings
118 supported by the frame 12. To ensure proper tension on the belt
112, a tension pulley 120, including an eccentric mounting 112 for
adjustment, is provided to engage the belt 112.
The other end of the secondary shaft 116, opposite of the pulley
114, has an increased diameter pulley 124 mounted thereon and which
is coupled by a V-belt 126 to a reduced diameter pulley 128, also
supported by the frame 12 for rotation. As with the toothed belt
112, tension of the V-belt 126 is adjustable through a tension
pulley 127.
A flywheel 130, having an increased diameter, is mounted to rotate
with the reduced diameter pulley 128. A friction belt 132 is
positioned so as to extend around and be retained on the perimeter
of the flywheel 130. Preferably, the belt 132 is mounted so that it
will not rotate with the flywheel 130. Suitable materials for the
friction belt 132 include felt, nylon and other materials which
will not readily wear as a result of frictional contact with the
perimeter of the flywheel 130. The braking force or tension
exhibited by the friction belt 132 on the flywheel 130 can be
adjusted by a tension adjustment mechanism as generally designated
at 134. This tension adjusting mechanism 134 can be one of the well
known varieties and may include a bolt movably engaged with the
frame 12 and secured through a spring connection to the friction
belt 132. A cable is used to connect the tension adjustment
mechanism 134 to a tension control knob 135 which allows the user
to adjust the tension of the belt 132.
By providing the resistance assembly with a rotational increase
from the primary drive shaft 100 to the flywheel 130, a substantial
apparent inertia will be realized by the patient which can be
adjusted through the tension adjustment mechanism 134.
As seen in FIG. 1, the machine 10 of the present invention is
provided so that it has an open area immediately forward of the
seat 28 and rearward of the arm and leg assemblies 54, 55, 56 and
57. Also, that portion of the frame 12 which extends across this
open area is provided with a low height or profile, approximately
81/2-91/2 inches. The combination of the open area and the low
profile give the present invention a step-through design not
previously seen in exercise or physical therapy machines. The
step-through design increases the ease of ingress and egress for
the user and in particular for the low mobility patient. Ingress
and egress are further enhanced by the single pivot axis 58 and the
forwardly bowed shape of the arm and leg assemblies 54, 55, 56 and
57 which cooperate to open up the step-through area. It will also
be noticed that, regardless of the relative position of the arm and
leg assemblies 54, 55, 56 and 57, the user is always capable of
laterally stepping out of the pedals 76 and 77 without interference
from the lower levers 60 and 61 of the arm assemblies 56 and
57.
To increase the comfort and convenience of the user, the machine 10
of the present invention includes a blower assembly which is
operated off of the rotation of the flywheel 130. As
diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4, fan blades 136 are provided
on the flywheel 130 so that air is blown through a duct (not shown)
in the housing 26, as indicated by the arrows, during rotation of
the flywheel 130. At the forward end of the housing 26, an air tube
138, having the same general shape as the arm assemblies 54 and 55,
extends upwardly and bends back to generally direct the air toward
the user. The air tube 138 can be provided with an adjustable vent
louver to more precisely direct the air flow.
The machine 10 of the present invention is also provided with an
onboard control system, generally designated at 140, which includes
a display panel. The control system 140 can be programmed so that
it will provide information to the user or to the physical
therapist with respect to work output, calories consumed, rpm
level, pace information, workout duration, etc. As such, the
control system is connected so as to monitor the resistance
provided by the friction belt 132, the rpm of the flywheel 130 as
well as the steps from the handles 66 and 67 and pedals 76 and 77.
The control system can be powered by batteries or directly off of
the resistance assembly or flywheel.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention
relates from the subsequent description of the preferred
embodiments and the appended claims taken in conjunction
drawings.
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